Pirates Of The Caribbean Fan Fiction ❯ Mirror, Mirror ❯ Routine ( Chapter 4 )

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Chapter 4

James concluded over the passing of the night that it was indeed a strange thing to be dead. As he watched Ayse sleep, he realized that he never felt the pangs of hunger or the heaviness of fatigue. In fact, he felt numb, and this newly found state was most unnerving and something he would have to get used to. Unless he found a way to Calypso, he would never feel these things again - tangible things that he now found the living took for granted. The smell of flowers, the touch of someone's hand upon his arm, a kiss - all things he would never be allowed to feel in this cursed state.

The shadows slowly disappeared from Ayse's bedchamber as the sun began to make its way above the horizon, eventually illuminating her slumbering façade. It wasn't long before Ayse began to stir in those wee hours of the morning, her eyes flickering open and closed before she yawned and stretched. James watched as she lay in bed for a moment, as though she were contemplating whether she should rise or not.

“Good morning,” James broke, shattering the solemn silence of the bedchamber.

Ayse jumped, startled upon seeing James' reflection in the looking glass before her. It seemed she had forgotten about her new companion residing in her mirror. “Er, good morning, James.”

“I did not intend to startle you, Ayse,” he softly said. “I take it you had a good rest?”

Ayse sat up a little. “I could have used a bit more, but yes, I rested well for the most part. And you?”

James looked down. “I don't feel fatigue as I did when I was living.”

“Oh. Well, I imagine it must have been quite lonely for you during the night.” After a moment's hesitation, Ayse kicked back the coverings, slid out of bed, and put on her robe, tying the sash around her waist. She approached him, this time venturing to come a little closer than she did the previous evening. “I apologize for not being very good company.”

“It was to be expected,” he returned. “I cannot expect you to stay up all night on my behalf. Besides, it would seem that I am not quite a guest, therefore, I should not expect to be treated like one.”

Ayse smiled and sat down on a cedar chest at the end of her bed. “Whether you expect it or not, I shall do my very best to treat you accordingly, James. I have to admit that you were quite a surprise, but now that you're here, I suppose I shall look at it as an opportunity to gain a friend, and friends are something I don't have many of.”

“And why is that, if I may ask?”

Ayse shrugged and moved to her dressing table to brush her long black hair. “I simply don't care much for high society. Many women I talk with know nothing of the things I long to converse about. `A woman's place is not with her nose in a book,' they always tell me. I grow tired of idle, empty talk, and frankly, the stuffy atmospheres of the many parties I attend make me restless.”

“Is that so? Prey tell, Ayse, what is it that you enjoy discussing?”

Ayse put the brush down and began to braid her hair. “Literature, philosophy, music, the sciences, and how I love to read a good fictional novel from time to time. I care not for the tittle-tattle that the other ladies engage themselves in. For heaven's sake, there are far better things to discuss rather than wasting one's breath on such hearsay.”

James couldn't help but laugh at her little rant. “My, what a little tirade I made you go on, but I can certainly understand your frustrations toward that particular chatter of matters that are not of anyone's business.”

“Indeed,” Ayse agreed, “and I apologize for making you listen to that.”

The Admiral chuckled. “Oh, it's fine, really. You have managed to put on the table the very same things I have thought when I was once able to attend such engagements. I must admit that the idle chat and listening to the same, tired stories all the time does get old. Discussions of a useful nature would certainly be a breath of fresh air, indeed.”

The raven haired young woman moved to her armoire and pulled out a day gown before moving behind a screen to dress herself. “So, you won't tell me that my love for books and knowledge is not pointless and unbefitting of a woman?”

“While I have heard that sort of thing said by other men of society, to tell you the truth, I never really believed it so. I find that a woman who can be clever is actually quite an asset of which I am fond, and I would never be so bold or so unkind as to discourage her curiosity, so long as she still remembers her place and acts as a lady should.”

Ayse appeared from behind the screen in a blush pink day dress with a flowered apron over it, and on her face, she wore a warm, lovely smile. “In that case, my dear Admiral, you and I shall be fast friends. I thank you for your kindness of heart. If other men could think the same as you, I would be married by now.”

James smiled at her little joke. “Is that so? How unfortunate you haven't found a husband, yet. I had assumed yesterday when you were pulling me from my crate that whoever was courting you was one fortunate fellow.”

Ayse suddenly turned red. “James! How dare you make me blush!” She giggled a little, putting a hand to her face.

Apparently, the girl was easily embarrassed, and Norrington couldn't help but snort amusedly at the expression upon her visage. “I have to apologize for that, my friend. It was not my intent to embarrass you.”

“Well,” she began with a humored gleam in her eyes. “As much as I wish to stay here the rest of the day and listen to such fazing comments that make my face turn an unsightly shade of maroon, I must take my leave for now and help make breakfast in the kitchen and attend household chores.”

James snickered. “Well in that case, I won't hold you from your household duties, but I will be looking forward to talking with you more when you return.”

“Indeed,” she told him with a smile. “I'll try to sneak up whenever I can to check on you.”

“I should be fine,” James told her. “I no longer want for food or drink, so I will not trouble you with my presence.”

“Perhaps, but surely you still want for companionship, and I cannot consciously neglect you of that.” She started for the door but paused with her hand on the door handle. She turned her head to look at him over her shoulder and smiled. “And your presence is not at all a trouble to me, and I refuse to let you think that is so.”

James nodded. “Only if you insist, and I thank you for your kindness, even though I am but a mere spirit trapped in a glass prison.”

Ayse smiled fully at him before leaving him alone once more. He looked about the room and wondered just how long it would be that he would be kept in his birdcage of sorts. His thoughts turned to his newfound companion. She seemed so charming and sweet, and it made him wonder exactly why it was at such a late age she wasn't married or engaged.

Naturally, many wondered the same about him back in the days when he was in love with Elizabeth and waiting for her to come of age when he could ask for her hand in marriage. He still cared for her and always would, but he had accepted her decision in the final moments of his life and let her go, his kiss as a parting gift to affirm that he was the gentleman he proclaimed to be and that no matter how much it hurt him, that he would be happy for her because she was happy. That was the only thing he'd ever wanted for his dear Elizabeth to begin with, despite her unfortunate spiral into piracy and treason. He hoped that wherever she wound up that she was safe and contented.

Of course, his thoughts of Elizabeth brought questions of his so called `second chance' into mind. He knew he did the right thing by letting her go, but he could have easily gone with her to the Empress and escaped as well. Of course, he would have to give up a lifetime career as a naval officer and live his life on the lam as his assistance would be considered treasonous. Governor Swann was no longer alive to pardon him for saving his only daughter, and it seemed that the right thing to do and the only thing to do in his eyes was to give up his life not only to save her, but perhaps to save himself. But he was afraid he'd fallen so far from grace that he could not be saved. Will Turner graciously decided that wasn't so. But what would his purpose be in his second chance? To become a naval officer once more and continue to live a life in a rank he earned not with honesty and work but with corruption and backstabbing?

James had honestly thought he would never stoop so low as to barter with Satan himself to regain his position, and he regretted it the moment he gave that beating bag to Lord Beckett. It was only in death did James realize that there was no one to blame but himself for ruining his own life - not Jack, not Will, and certainly not Elizabeth. Pride truly was a deadly sin in James' case, and it took death for him to open his eyes. Did he truly deserve the second chance that William so kindly offered him? Absolutely not - at least not in the Admiral's eyes. James decided that were he to ever regain his living body again, he would make the most of his second chance - as soon as he figured out what he was supposed to do.

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Downstairs, Ayse made her way into the kitchen where the maid, Eloise, was kneading dough for the morning bread.

“I apologize for my tardiness, Eloise,” Ayse said.

“Indeed,” interjected another voice. A young woman near Ayse's age turned around from the fire. “After your little outburst last night it comes as no wonder you would sleep a little later than the rest of us.”

“Well, good morning to you, too, Mary,” Ayse coolly said.

Mary Thomas was not Ayse's sister as one would often assume. She was her cousin, the daughter of her Uncle Edmund and niece to her father, John. She had pretty blonde hair and dazzling blue eyes, and while Mary was certainly a handsome young woman, that was as far as her beauty went. Mary was often sharp-tongued, spoiled, and somewhat selfish. She did not like Ayse at all, mostly because she was of an envious and spiteful nature, and the feeling was quite mutual on her cousin's side. Yet Ayse, being of sound mind and good nature, merely tolerated her and did her best to love Mary despite her shortcomings and forgive her of the things she would say to her.

“So, did you ever see this `man' in your looking glass again?” Mary scoffed.

Ayse cringed slightly. “N-no. I must have been dreaming after all.”

She knew if she tried to tell the truth of James she would never believe her. Honestly, Ayse wasn't sure if she believed it herself, but the man spoke to her plain as day, and after last night's events, it was apparent she was the only one who could see or hear him, and this perplexed her now that she thought of it.

Before Mary could say anything else, Eloise broke in. “With all due respect, Misses, we have a lot to do yet if we are to get breakfast out on the table for the Master and Mistress.” She winked at Ayse.

Eloise and Ayse had a particular fondness for one another, even though Eloise was a simple maid in the Thomas household. Sometimes when they were graced without Mary's presence, they would converse, and Ayse would tell Eloise her dreams and the stories her father used to tell her when he was home from the sea. Unfortunately, this would not be a relaxed morning.

She continued her morning duties in silence and before long, the breakfast had been placed out on the set table. Ayse pulled off her flowered apron and sat next to Mary as her aunt and uncle arrived in the room.

“Good morning, young ladies,” Uncle Edmund greeted. He stooped down and kissed his daughter on the cheek. “And good morning to you my favorite daughter.

Mary smiled sweetly. “Hello, dear Father.”

Ayse rolled her eyes. The manner in which Mary replied to her father in that sickeningly sweet voice made her stomach turn. To Edmund, Mary could do no wrong, as he constantly doted upon her, which left no question as to why it was she was so spoiled and mean. Whatever Mary wanted, Mary received. If only her uncle could see the little demon face beneath that angelic mask…

“Did you two sleep well last night?” Edmund's wife, Anne, asked.

Anne, Ayse's aunt, was the polar opposite of her daughter. Though they looked quite similar in appearance, Anne was often gentle and kind, and acted as a surrogate mother to Ayse, as the latter had never known her own mother.

“I did once Ayse stopped her screaming,” Mary snidely said.

“That must have been some dream you had to wake up our entire household,” Anne told Ayse, ignoring her daughter's remark. “Were you able to fall back asleep?”

“I was able, Aunt. Thank you for asking.”

“I thought you had lost your bloody mind! My word, it startled the bloody hell out of me,” Edmund interjected.

“Now, Edmund, there is no need for language at the table or in the company of ladies,” Anne gently chided. “Do be more thoughtful in your words before you speak them.”

“My apologies, Anne.” The older gentleman fell silent, content to eat his food in silence. He had to hurry to begin with as he had some business to take care of in town.

“Will I be expecting you late this evening?” Anne asked.

“Probably,” Edmund replied. “I have a meeting with a gentleman after I close up the store today.”

Edmund Thomas was a prominent merchant who was in partnership with Ayse's father, John. Edmund ran the store and received the merchandise that John, the merchant trader, bartered for upon his many travels.

As morning conversations continued, Ayse quietly took a bite of a poached egg that Eloise served to her and thought about James. He'd mentioned that he no longer wanted for food or drink, and she thought that would be a rather peculiar thing to never feel hunger or thirst or even tiredness. Could he feel anything at all anymore? Her new friend offered an unfamiliar and slightly morbid concept to explore, and perhaps upon exploring that concept, then maybe she could come up with a way to help him.

Anne's voice broke Ayse's thoughts. “Ayse, did you get a letter from your father?”

“Oh, um, yes, I did, but I have not read it, yet.”

“Do inform us of how he is doing,” Anne told her. “I worry about my brother-in-law being out at sea all the time.”

“I promise I will,” Ayse reassured her.

Anne smiled. “You're such a good and kind girl, Ayse.”

Mary turned her head and sniffed derisively. She placed a napkin on her plate and excused herself from the table to retire to the garden for a bit. That damned cousin of her had her very own mother wrapped around her finger, and Mary simply could not stand it. The girl wasn't even really a part of the family, for Christ's sake, yet she was treated as though she could do as she pleased.

“I think I'll go help Eloise with some of her chores,” Ayse offered.

“You know that isn't necessary,” Anne pointed.

“I know, but busy hands are happy ones, are they not? Besides, you are so graciously housing me until my father returns. It is the least I can do.”

“Only if you insist,” Anne said.

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After what seemed like forever, James heard a set of footsteps coming up the steps, and Ayse peeked her head into the door. “James?”

“Yes?”

She stepped fully into the room carrying clean bed clothes inside a basket. “Are you doing alright?”

“I am fine, thank you. A bit bored, but fine nonetheless.”

Ayse made her way to her bed and pulled off her bed coverings, placing the basket on the floor. “I can imagine you must be rather bored in that state. I wish I could think of a way to entertain you or at least carry you with me while I go about my day.”

“With all due respect, Ayse, I think that the occupants of this house would think you mad for talking to yourself.”

“It wouldn't be the first time, especially after last night,” she said with a sigh. The lady pulled new sheets over the mattress. “Besides, I could talk with you when I am alone.”

“I suppose so,” he replied. “But carrying me around…you know, I wonder if that would be possible.”

Ayse looked up thoughtfully. “Hmm. I don't see why it wouldn't be. Of course, one of us will have to think of a way. I shall ponder over that while I continue my chores.”

“I am curious of something,” James said.

“Yes?”

“You are a member of this house, yet you insist on doing housework as your maid. Why?”

Ayse sat down on the cedar chest at the end of her bed. “Actually, this is not really my home.”

“It isn't?”

Ayse shook her head. “This home belongs to my uncle Edmund. He and my father are partners in business, and my father's job takes him out to sea quite often, so I have been staying in the care of my aunt and uncle while he is away. To show my gratitude, I do some of the household duties, though it is not expected of me.”

“Oh, how kind of you. Your father…what does he do? Merchant trader?”

“Yes. My father goes out to sea and barters for various items that his brother sells in his store and makes sure they get back. My uncle is a very prominent merchant here in town.”

“I never thought to ask this, nor have I had a chance, but exactly where are you residing?”

“Port Royal, Jamaica.”

James' eyes nearly bugged from his head. “P-Port Royal?!”

Ayse stood up and approached the looking glass, placing her hand upon the frame. “Are you r from here, I take it?”

“Yes, I am,” James answered, still surprised. “I cannot believe I'm back where I began!”

“I-is that a bad thing?”

“Well…no,” James admitted. “I'm rather relieved that I am in familiar territory. I will say that I didn't expect it.”

“Oh. I suppose that will prove to be useful. Since you're from here, would you like me to give a message to your family for you?”

“Family?”

Ayse smiled. “Well, yes, your family. Surely you have a wife and children who are very worried about you.”

James hesitated. That was the one thing he was never able to attain when he was living. “I have no family, Ayse. I - I was engaged once, briefly, but I never married or had children.”

His companion's face fell. It seemed that she had accidentally brought up a touchy subject for him. “I'm sorry. I did not mean to - “

“No, no,” he replied waving his hand. “There was no way you would have known any of that, and your intentions were good.”

Ayse turned and finished making up her bed. “Well, is there anyone who would be wondering about your whereabouts? Perhaps relatives back in England? I would be happy to compose a letter to them letting them know that you are fine.”

“Thank you kindly for your offer, but I have no living immediate family. And besides, I am indeed dead, though you seem to be able to see and hear me as though I were alive.”

“So in other words, I am the only person to whom you are alive, and to tell you the truth, I was rather wondering about that this morning.”

“Oh?”

“Well, surely, the same thought has at least crossed your mind.”

“It did briefly the other night. Come to think of it, when I was passing hands, I found that no one could hear me until I came to you.”

Ayse pondered a moment, wrapping the dirty sheets around her arms. “Intriguing. And I found that no one else in the room last night could see or hear you. In fact, my cousin, Mary, gave me quite a difficult time this morning over you.”

“Your cousin?”

“The young blonde haired lady who was in the room with me when I pulled you from your crate,” Ayse explained. “She does not like me to begin with, but I tolerate her for the most part. Anyway, I wonder why it is that only I can hear and see you.”

“That is a good question,” James added thoughtfully. “I wonder if perhaps it has to do with ownership of this looking glass. Previously, I was not actually owned by anyone until I came into your hands, and it would seem I was a gift from your father to you, from what I gathered of your conversation with the other members of the house. Perhaps whoever owns this looking glass is the one who can see and hear me, then.”

Ayse lifted a hand to her chin thoughtfully. “I don't know. It makes sense, though.” She looked up at James. “I will think more of this matter while I work. For now, I have spent far too much time in my room, so I really must be going.”

“I apologize for keeping you, then. We can discuss this further tonight.”

Ayse smiled. “Indeed. Perhaps we can figure out more about your situation.” She picked up the basket on the floor and balanced it on her hip. “I'll see you tonight, James.”

“Until tonight, then.”